Primary Pterygium Surgery: An Alternative Method Utilizing Conjunctival Tissue Over Thepterygium Itself Retaining its Own Vascular Supply

Abstract

ntroduction: The gold standard management of pterygium is pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft utilizing the superior bulbar conjunctiva, but its preservation is essential for future glaucoma surgery. Aim/Objective: The aim of this study is to find out the outcome and complications of primary pterygium excision utilising the conjunctival tissue over the pterygium itself to cover the bare area retaining its own vascular supply and to preserve the superior bulbar conjunctiva for future uses. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective non-comparative study, 42 eyes with primary pterygium underwent pterygium excision utilising conjunctival tissue over the pterygium itself maintaining its original position and retaining its vascular supply for the period of 2018-2020. Methodology: In this technique two conjunctival incisions were given, one at the neck of the pterygium and other at 5-5.5 mm away from the limbus. The underlying fibrovascular tissue was separated and removed. Conjunctival tissue was placed in its normal position over the bare sclera maintaining its own vascular supply. Results: Mean age of the study population was 44.86 ± 11.68 years. Mean follow-up period was 12.62 ± 3.96 months. No recurrence was detected in the follow-up periods. The main two complications were subconjunctival injection and graft edema which were 100% and 33.33% respectively. Conclusion: This study results provide that utilization of the conjunctival tissue over the pterygium itself with retaining its own vascular supply can be a useful alternative technique for the management of primary pterygium and thus the superior bulbar conjunctiva can be preserved for future uses.